8 Spanish customs and cultural traditions you need to know

Hola! Have you ever been curious about Spanish customs? Everyone loves learning new things right? How cool would it be to use this curiosity as a tool to boost your Spanish learning? Every language has its own customs and traditions that one might need to know in order to be able to understand the target language. That’s why today, we are going to venture into discovering the Spanish customs and cultural traditions. Who knows, maybe you will even find a new favorite food or music or a new way of living by exploring the Spanish customs and Spanish cultural traditions. 

Let’s dive into it, shall we?

SPANISH CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

•  Las Serenatas

This one of the romantic Spanish cultural traditions that the Hispanics uphold.

 It is a unique Spanish custom that normally involves hiring a band of mariachis, or arriving with a group of friends, to play music below the respective lover’s windows. 

According to the Spanish cultural tradition, the addressee of the serenata keeps their lights off during the performance of the first song, then turns the light on for the second song, and comes out of the house (or at least opens one of the windows) for the third song.

• Siestas

This is the afternoon nap/rest that takes place mostly between 2-5p.m. some people prefer to have a long lunch, some rest, or spend time with friends.

It is one of the Spanish customs that is envied by the rest of the world.

If you learn Spanish and happen to visit one of the Hispanic counties you may get to experience this culture

Who wouldn’t want to have a free afternoon? Ha-ha I know I would. 

• Tipping 

In European and American states, we love tipping. It’s a way of thanking your waiter or bartender or even a taxi driver that made sure you’re not late. But in countries like Spain, you should know that most people don’t tip.

I know what some of you are thinking… it saves you money ha-ha.

• Sobremesa

“Sobremesa” means “over the table” and refers to where people decide to have a conversation after a meal. In this Spanish eating custom Instead of taking the last bite and leaving, Spaniards stay at the table conversing, enjoying each other’s company.

RELIGIOUS AND CHRISTMAS SPANISH CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

• Misa del Gallo

Misa Del Gallo is known as the mass of the rooster. This is when the people attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The name was derived from the belief that the day that Jesus was born, there was a rooster that crowed at midnight. 

• Posadas

Posada means inn. This is mostly a Mexican tradition.

It is held from mid-December until Christmas Eve where the Mexicans reenact the story of joseph and Mary as they sing while holding candles.

SPANISH EATING CUSTOMS 

If there is something the Hispanic people or the Spanish language is known for is for their tantalizing food.

• Eating of picana de pollo

It is a Spanish eating custom that happens during Christmas Eve, after attending the Misa Del Gallo. A Spanish traditional meal of picana de pollo consists of chicken stew cooked with peas, potatoes, and peas.

• La mordida 

 This is a Spanish tradition that happens during birthdays.  During the cutting of the cake, while the attendees sing “la mordida”, the birthday girl/boy must take the first bite without using their hands. Endless to say it results in a face-full of cake.

What’s your birthday tradition? Would you like to experience la mordida? 

ADOPT YOUR FAVOURITE CUSTOMS!

We’ve looked at just a few Spanish cultural traditions and the Spanish customs and traditions.  Which Spanish traditions would you like to adopt?  You should continue to learn Spanish and maybe you would be lucky enough to visit one of the Hispanic countries and experience it first hand.

Remember the more you practice your Spanish before your trip, the greater your enjoyment will be. 

Happy Spanish learning!!

Now that you have learnt the Spanish customs and traditions that you need to know, discover 30 useful Spanish words for beginners.

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